How do I choose the right mirror for my needs?

Generally you need to consider three issues: visibility, how far the mirror is from you, and the viewing angle or area you want to see. Round and "roundtangular" mirrors allow a 160-degree view. They also provide the best view. The 1/4 dome mirror provides a 90-degree view and works well in corners. The 1/2 and full dome mirrors provide the widest viewing area of 180 degrees. If you do not need the wide-angle view, you should try using a round or "roundtangular" mirror because objects look smaller in the dome mirrors than in these. If you do need the wide angle and a detailed view, go to a larger sized dome. A good starting point is 20 feet for an 18" round mirror and 10 feet for the same size dome.

What is a good mirror for the office?

For inside the office or home, a quarter-, half-, or full-dome mirror is a good choice. In hallways, for example, a quarter-dome mirror can allow people walking into a blind corner to see around it and avoid mishaps. For surveillance purposes, a full-dome can offer panoramic views of wide areas. The smaller (12"x18") "roundtangular" can also be used in an office or store. The larger round mirrors (26" and 30") are commonly used in convenience stores where they can be placed across the room and still provide a good (detailed) view of persons in the store.

Which Mirror is good for outside?

For outside uses--such as, in driveways, alleys, parking garage entrances and exits--a round convex mirror works very well. The "roundtangular" mirror will allow you to avoid the sun more than the round mirror, and some customers feel it has a more attractive design. Both mirrors work equally well at viewing left to right angles.

How do I decide what kind of backing I need for my mirror?

For the inside, any of the backing will last a very long time. For the ultimate in durability and longevity we recommend using a steel backing for outside. The steel-backed mirror is strong and the lens is sealed allowing the mirror to stand up to all but the worst of weather conditions. These mirrors are being used in many outdoor applications including ocean-going vessels. The hardback mirror is also weather resistant and UV resistant. For mild weather conditions or where the mirror is somewhat protected from high winds, the hardback mirror will do the job. The painted backing will withstand rain and some wind. The molded rubber seal is UV resistant and does not melt or sag on hot summer days. Where there is constant moisture and constant freezing and thawing (even without wind), you should consider the steel backed mirror for longevity. For inside the office, home, garage, factory or any area protected form the rain or high winds, the hard backed mirror will last a very long time.

What are the mirrors themselves made of?

Glass or mirror-grade virgin acrylic with a silver coating on the back side. The Silver coating is coated three times with an epoxy paint.

How do I decide whether to use an acrylic or glass mirror?

For rough conditions where the mirror could be broken, you will want to use an acrylic mirror, as they are virtually indestructible. If there is little chance of the mirror being hit or subjected to rough treatment and you do NOT have a safety issue, then a glass mirror will more than meet your needs. The glass mirrors are more resistant to scratches and normal glass cleaner can be used. There is very little if any difference in the reflective qualities of glass compared to acrylic. (You may get an argument out of someone if you quote me on that one!) The Acrylic mirrors are difficult to break and there is much less danger of being cut from broken acrylic than from broken glass. On the negative side, you should be careful to only clean the acrylic with a mild soap and a clean cotton cloth. You can also use products on the market made specifically for cleaning acrylic. Note: (Lemon Pledge works great!) Outside, the acrylic seems to resist water spots better that the glass so acrylic doesn't have to cleaned as often.

How do I mount my mirror?

Most mirrors come with standard wall mounts, which includes a mounting bracket and a ball swivel. The bracket can be installed on a wall, tree, or most fixed objects with bolts or large screws. (See installation for a picture of the bracket) Note: Before the ball swivel can be repositioned you must loosen the three screws around the ball. After you have positioned the mirror, tighten the screws to lock the ball from moving.

For outside where there is no existing place to mount a mirror, I can suggest three methods.
The first is to use a metal fence post similar to the one stop signs are mounted on. The posts can be purchased at hardware stores for a few dollars but you should call first. Not all stores carry the posts. A post driver (around $15.00) or a large hammer can be used to drive the post into the ground. Because the post already has holes in it, you can easily bolt on the bracket.

The second method is to use a 4"x4" pressure treated wooden post. (Found at any hardware store.) You can dig a hole and mount it into the ground or place some cement around the post after placing it into the hole. I wouls suggest no less than going 18" deep. The depth really depends on the soil you are placing it into. The nice thing about using the wood post is that wood screws can be used to mount the mirror. 1 1/2" x 3/8" screws will work well.

The third method is to sink a 10 foot 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" galvanized pipe 2 1/2 feet into a post hole, then fill it with concrete. You should use three lines (string works well) to tie down the pipe while it is drying. Make sure the line is tied tight enough to the pipe to prevent it from slipping down while the concrete is drying. (Start about one foot from the end of the string and wrap from that point, the string around the pipe several times (about 5 feet high). Use the extra foot we left at the beginning to tie the string so the wrapped portion will not slip down the pipe. Next run the string down to a stake. Repeat this for each of the three strings. Position the stakes equally around the Pipe so that it will stand vertical. You can use a level to make it perfect.) After the concrete sets up (around one day) you can mount the mirror by drilling two holes through the pipe using the bracket as a guide. (You can also use small muffler clamps to hold the bracket to the pipe. The clamps are easier but more difficult to find.) Finish the job with an end cap on the top of the pipe to prevent water from filling the pipe. The mirror will mount on the bracket the same as any other installation.

Dome (backed) mirrors and flat mirrors have brackets much like picture frames. You put screws on the wall then hang the mirror on the screws. I suggest using a level when putting in the second screw. The mirror will hang crooked if the screws are not level.

The Drop-in ceiling dome is made to replace a 2' X 2' ceiling tile.

The hardback Dome is mounted directly t the ceiling or can be suspended by a chain.

The non-backed dome mirrors have a 1.5" flange with screw holes.

The pendant (for a camera) is made to mount on a conduit pipe similar to a ceiling fan mount. The conduit or pipe is not included but can be purchased at most home/hardware stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace, etc.

Are there alternate ways of mounting mirrors?

Yes. For special locations you can consider mounting mirrors on a pole purchase d separately--such as a fence post, etc. You can also use a galvanized pipe, which is available at Home Depot, to make a post by digging a 2 ½ foot hole filled with concrete and topped with an end cap. Note: The 4"x4" wooden post is the method I recommend for most applications..

How do I clean my mirror?

Acrylic mirrors should be cleaned with a soft cloth and very mild soap. We suggest using Lemon pledge. For the Glass mirrors, any glass cleaner may be used. (DO NOT USE GLASS GLEANER ON ACRYLIC MIRRORS.)

Why can't I order extra-large mirrors through the web store?

Extra-large mirrors require larger boxes than can be shipped via UPS. They require a special shipping formula and must be calculated on a case-by-case basis.

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